Your weight allowance is established under provisions of the Joint Federal Travel Regulations and is the maximum weight you can move at government expense. This allowance includes the weight of household goods you ship, place in storage or send as unaccompanied baggage.

You -- not your transportation officer or the carrier -- are responsible for staying within the weight allowance. If the weight of items packed, shipped or stored exceeds your weight allowance, you must pay all charges connected with the excess weight.

For this reason, estimating the weight of your household goods is very important. Estimates should start early, even before you visit your transportation office to set up the move. The counselor at your transportation office will need an estimated weight for each shipment you intend to make.

An easy and fairly dependable method for making this estimate is to figure 1,000 pounds per room (not including storage rooms or bathrooms) and then add the estimated weight of large appliances and items in the garage, storage rooms, basement, etc.

Although the table below was current when it was created the weight allowances do change.  We would like to direct invite to visit www.move.mil website and then click on "DOD Customer".  Then click on Weight Allowance Table - JFTR Vol 1 under Personal Property Counseling.  The current weight table is there.

Weight Estimates Not Official

Weight estimates are not official; they are planning tools only. You can never use weight estimates to refute excess weight charges.

Excess Weight Can Cost Big Money
The total weight of property shipped and stored cannot exceed your authorized weight allowance. Exceeding your authorized weight allowance on a domestic or international move can cost you a lot of money. Charges for excess weight can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars.

Notification of overweight charges can take several months after your move has been completed. IF YOU ARE SEPARATING FROM SERVICE AND WILL NOT REMAIN IN AN ACTIVE PAY STATUS, EXCESS COSTS MUST BE PAID BEFORE YOUR SHIPMENT IS MOVED. If you have any questions, contact your transportation office.

Verify Accuracy of Excess Cost

To avoid excess weight charges, stay within your authorized weight allowance by estimating early and disposing of unnecessary possessions. When you receive a notification for exceeding your weight allowance, check it carefully. Often you may not have received credit for professional books, papers and equipment or some other entitlement. If you have any questions concerning your excess weight, contact your transportation office.

Request for Reweigh

You are entitled to have your shipment reweighed prior to delivery at destination. A request for a reweigh can be made through the transportation office either at origin or at destination prior to delivery.

Overseas Weight Limitations

In some overseas areas administrative weight restrictions may apply. If the area you are being assigned to provides government furniture, for example, the government will not pay to ship your full weight allowance. The counselor at your transportation office can provide information on weight-restricted areas.

If you are administratively restricted, the government will store the remainder of your household goods up to your full weight allowance or ship it to a designated location for the duration of your overseas tour. Unaccompanied baggage is included in your weight allowance, but is in addition to your administrative weigh allowance. Authorized professional books, papers and equipment are not counted in either the full weight allowance or an administrative weight allowance.

Consumable Items

Members assigned to some overseas stations may be authorized a consumable goods allowance. As with professional books, papers and equipment, these items must be packed, marked and weighed separately. The inventory should identify them as "authorized consumables." Your counselor will advise you on this entitlement.

Professional Books, Papers and Equipment

You must give the counselor an estimated weight to enter on your application for shipment or storage. This constitutes an official declaration of intent to ship professional books, papers and equipment. You must also separate professional items from the rest of your property so they may be packed, marked and weighed separately. When properly listed on the inventory, they are not counted as part of your weight allowance. Before signing the inventory prepared by the movers be sure these items are listed as 'PBP&E" and not as "books" or 'miscellaneous." The proper designation of these items and the exclusion of the weight can be very important. Professional books, papers and equipment do not include office, household or shop fixtures, furniture (such as bookcases, desks and file cabinets) or sports equipment.

When required to perform official duties, the following items are considered professional books, papers and equipment:

1. Reference books, papers and material;
2. Instruments, tools and equipment needed by technicians, mechanics and other professionals;
3. Specialized clothing such as diving suits, flying suits, band uniforms and other apparel not considered to be normal or usual uniforms or clothing;
4. Communications equipment used in connection with the Military Affiliated Radio System; and
5. Individually owned or specially issued field clothing or equipment, official awards and other memorabilia given to a member by a uniformed service, professional society or organization, or a U.S. or foreign government.